Heavy rain, mild flooding expected this week

EVERETT -- The first round of late winter flooding could start Tuesday.Warm, heavy rain is predicted in the region for the next few days, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle. The Cascade Range could get up to four inches of rain by Thursday morning, the Weather Service said. Combined with rising snow levels, that could mean flooding along rivers and streams in Snohomish County.Any trouble spots in the county likely will be along the Stillaguamish River, meteorologist Jay Neher said. Temperatures in the lowlands should be in the 40s or 50s, he said. Additional rain might be on-and-off Thursday and Friday.Local rivers will be rising but no major flooding is expected in the days ahead. Drivers can expect U.S. 2 through Stevens Pass to be rainy, not snowy.Arlington-area officials remind people to pay extra attention during potential flooding, city spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said Monday.Almost every time it floods, local firefighters have to rescue folks who get into trouble in the water, she said."We always monitor the rivers," she said. "We always encourage people to be aware of their surroundings and take appropriate precautions and please don't drive in the floodwaters."Just four months ago, a man and boy had to be rescued from Pilchuck Creek north of Arlington after the boy became trapped in flood waters while riding an all-terrain vehicle.A relative tried to rescue him on a tractor, and the tractor also got stuck in rising waters.Everyone survived.Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com

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